Youth Competitive Coaches
Our Youth Competitive Program is led by a dedicated group of qualified and passionate coaches who are committed to creating a positive, engaging, and development-focused environment for players. Below is the current coaching lineup for our Youth Competitive teams.
2012 Boys Green
Matthew Distefano - Head Coach
Matthew is a lifelong member of the RHSC community. He played competitive soccer with the Club from grassroots all the way to the U20 League.
Since joining the coaching staff in 2021, Matthew has been passionate about giving back to the soccer community that shaped his own journey. He takes pride in supporting players as they advance their soccer careers, fostering both their technical skills and love for the game.
What Matthew values most about Richmond Hill Soccer Club is the shared passion and commitment among coaches and staff toward developing players and creating competitive environments where they can thrive.
Courses & Licenses: Grassroots Diploma, Soccer for Life
Martin Ohannessian - Assistant Coach
Martin Ohannessian has been part of Richmond Hill Soccer Club since the age of five, growing through grassroots and IModel soccer before transitioning into coaching in March 2025. He currently coach's our 2012 Boys Green team and brings both playing and coaching experience, having also coached his high school team for two years.
Martin is passionate about developing young players and inspiring them to share his lifelong love for the game. For him, coaching is not only about improving technical and tactical skills but also about instilling passion, discipline, and resilience.
Martin values RHSC’s modern facilities, well-maintained fields, and welcoming community, making it an ideal environment to help players thrive. Beyond soccer, he sees coaching as a way to build transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and resilience that benefit every aspect of life.
Courses & Licenses: Soccer for Life
2012 Boys White
Payam Kashani - Head Coach
Payam has been with RHSC since 2022. As a player, Payam's journey took him across three countries—playing professionally in Iran and Austria and at Concordia University in Canada. His coaching experience includes working with U13 and U14 boys and girls teams in St. Lambert, Quebec.
In addition to coaching, Payam has an extensive background as a soccer referee. He has officiated over 500 games in Montreal, QC, including high-profile events such as the World Corporate Championships. He also served as the Head of Refereeing and Director General CONFCO for FIFCO.
Payam’s love for soccer started at an early age, initially balancing basketball and soccer before fully committing to the latter when he moved to Austria. Despite injuries ending his professional playing career at the age of 26, his passion for the game led him to officiating and eventually to coaching.
As a coach, Payam values creating opportunities for players to develop their skills and reach their potential while bringing his rich experience and deep understanding of the game to his teams.
Courses & Licenses: National C License
Parham Najmi - Assistant Coach
Parham has previously coached with Moghavemat Tehran, Excel Pro, and Kickers United Pro Academy. As a player, Parham competed with Moghavemat Tehran's U18 team and the Paykan U16 team, where he honed his skills and understanding of the game.
Parham’s passion for coaching stems from his desire to share his knowledge and skills with others. He finds immense joy in helping young athletes grow and develop, both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fostering values such as teamwork, resilience, and discipline, making a positive impact on his players' behavior and character.
For Parham, the most rewarding part of coaching is witnessing his players' progress and knowing he is contributing to their personal and athletic journeys.
Courses & Licenses: Soccer for Life, Learn to Train, Coaching Disabled Footballers (FA)
2011 Girls
Gianna Mayta - Head Coach
Gianni is a dedicated coach who currently leads the 2011 Girls IModel team and serves as the Assistant Coach for the 2012 Girls OPDL team. A long-time member of the RHSC family, Gianni originally coached with the club from 2018 to 2023 before returning in 2024. He also brings experience from his time coaching with the Inter Milan Academy Toronto.
Gianni’s connection to RHSC runs deep. He began his playing journey in U5 House League and continued through the Rep program from U7 to U21, eventually captaining the U21 team. His passion for the game and for the RHSC community is clear in his coaching philosophy:
"I coach to help kids navigate through life through sport. I aim to positively impact kids and give them confidence. I intend to stay involved in soccer for the rest of my life, and coaching is the most rewarding path for me. I really like how organized RHSC is and of course the beautiful facilities."
Gianni’s commitment to personal growth, youth development, and lifelong involvement in the game makes him an inspiring leader and a valued member of our coaching staff.
Courses & Licenses: National C License
Leila Habibi - Assistant Coach
Leila is an Assistant Coach with the 2011 Girls IModel team and serves as a Goalkeeper Coach within RHSC. She joined the club in 2024, bringing with her an impressive international playing and coaching background.
Leila played at the highest level in her home country, representing the Iranian Women’s National Team and competing in the Iran Super League as a goalkeeper. She later transitioned into coaching, serving as a Goalkeeper Coach in the Iran Super League before relocating to Canada.
Leila is passionate about teaching the game and draws from her own experiences to support and guide young athletes. "I coach because I love teaching the game and want to help players grow by sharing what I’ve learned in my career."
She values the friendly and welcoming environment at RHSC, which allows her to connect with players and foster their development on and off the field. Leila’s elite background, technical expertise, and player-focused approach make her a valuable part of RHSC’s coaching team.
Courses & Licenses: Soccer for Life
2011 Boys Green
Michael Celotti - Head Coach
A proud RHSC alumnus, Michael played for the club for over 15 years during his youth career. Michael has been coaching with RHSC for one year and brings a wealth of experience on the field, including serving as a high school soccer coach.
Michael coaches to give back to his community and share his knowledge and passion for the game. "RHSC has been a home for me all my life. The staff, players, and stakeholders have had a positive impact on me and my love for the sport, alongside the amazing facilities the club offers," he shares.
Coaching is a key part of Michael’s future, as he aspires to pursue it professionally while extending his teaching career onto the soccer pitch. Off the field, he works full-time as a high school teacher.
Courses & Licenses: National C License, Grassroots Diploma, Soccer for Life
Illia Sereda - Assistant Coach
Illia joined RHSC in March 2025 and currently serves as the Head Coach for our 2010 Boys White team and as an the Assistant Coach for our 2011 Boys Green team. He brings international coaching experience from Metalist Kharkiv (Ukraine) and Stomil Olsztyn (Poland).
Before transitioning into coaching, Illia played professionally in the Ukrainian 2nd Division and Polish 4th Division, giving him a deep understanding of the game at a high level. Illia is passionate about fostering growth in young athletes. “Soccer gives me energy and positive emotions, especially when I see young athletes full of passion and making progress,” he says. “I focus on growing and learning to stay sharp and do quality work. The future will take care of itself.”
His international experience, player-first mindset, and dedication to continuous improvement make him a valuable part of the RHSC coaching team.
Courses & Licenses: UEFA C License
2011 Boys White
Joanis Bala - Head Coach
Joanis has been coaching with RHSC since 2023, bringing prior experience from coaching at Umoja Soccer School and playing in Greece Division 3.
Soccer is Joanis' biggest passion, and he loves passing on his knowledge to help develop both strong players on the field and strong characters off it. "I love the environment at RHSC and the freedom to run practices in a way that inspires and motivates my players," he says.
Joanis is dedicated to fostering growth, confidence, and love for the game in every player he coaches.
Courses & Licenses: National C License, Soccer for Life
Ronald Kan - Assistant Coach
Ronald joined RHSC in 2022 and currently coaches the 2010 Boys White and 2011 Boys White teams. With a lifelong love for soccer, Ronald played throughout high school and college and continues to stay active in the sport through recreational adult leagues.
For Ronald, coaching is more than just a role—it's a motivator. Coaching pushes him forward every day. Known for his eagerness to learn and ability to connect with people, Ronald enjoys the collaborative and interactive aspects of working with his teams.
His passion for both soccer and personal growth makes him an invaluable part of RHSC's coaching staff.
Courses & Licenses: National C License, Soccer for Life
2010 Girls
Tim Rennie - Head Coach
Tim has been coaching with RHSC since 2014 and has been a dedicated leader in player development for over a decade. He currently coaches both the 2010 Girls IModel and 2016 Girls teams, bringing his experience and passion for the game to every training session.
His goal is to help young athletes build confidence, improve their skills, and develop a love for the game in a positive and challenging environment. Tim values the strong sense of community at RHSC and takes pride in mentoring the next generation of players.
Courses & Licenses: National C License Trained, Soccer for Life
Danielle Ammendolia - Assistant Coach
Danielle is the Assistant Coach of the 2010 Girls IModel team, bringing a lifelong connection to RHSC as both a player and coach. She has coached in the club’s competitive stream since 2023, after first gaining experience in the House League program, working with both boys and girls.
Danielle began her soccer journey at age 5 in RHSC’s House League and transitioned into the competitive program at age 12. A natural leader, she captained her team from U16 through U21, completing an impressive 18-year playing career with RHSC.
She now gives back to the game that shaped her: "I coach because I love to give back to the sport and club that gave me so much growing up. Being a role model and teaching athletes everything I’ve learned is immensely important to me."
Danielle is passionate about player development, mentorship, and continuing her own coaching education and licensing. She values RHSC’s environment that supports both athletes and coaches in their growth, encouraging them to pursue their passion at every level.
Courses & Licenses: Soccer for Life
2010 Boys Green
Sina Davari - Head Coach
Sina has been with RHSC since 2021, bringing over eight years of experience in youth player development. His extensive coaching background includes coaching role at Bryst Football Academy, Prime Soccer Academy, Aurora FC, and the Toronto Hawks. Sina is also a former semi-professional player, having competed in the Tehran Premier League in Iran from 2012 to 2015.
For Sina, coaching soccer is a unique opportunity to connect with people, foster growth, and make a lasting impact. He values being part of each athlete's development journey—teaching them, learning from them, and helping them maximize their potential.
He feels RHSC provides a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where the diverse community can enjoy and thrive in soccer. Sina is passionate about crafting high-performing athletes and teams, and he looks forward to continuing his journey of developing the next generation of talent.
Courses & Licenses: CONCACAF B License trained, National B License, AFC C License, Soccer for Life
Ronald Kan - Assistant Coach
Ronald joined RHSC in 2022 and currently coaches the 2010 Boys White and 2011 Boys White teams. With a lifelong love for soccer, Ronald played throughout high school and college and continues to stay active in the sport through recreational adult leagues.
For Ronald, coaching is more than just a role—it's a motivator. Coaching pushes him forward every day. Known for his eagerness to learn and ability to connect with people, Ronald enjoys the collaborative and interactive aspects of working with his teams.
His passion for both soccer and personal growth makes him an invaluable part of RHSC's coaching staff.
Courses & Licenses: National C License, Soccer for Life
2010 Boys White
Illia Sereda - Assistant Coach
Illia joined RHSC in March 2025 and currently serves as the Head Coach for our 2010 Boys White team and as an the Assistant Coach for our 2011 Boys Green team. He brings international coaching experience from Metalist Kharkiv (Ukraine) and Stomil Olsztyn (Poland).
Before transitioning into coaching, Illia played professionally in the Ukrainian 2nd Division and Polish 4th Division, giving him a deep understanding of the game at a high level. Illia is passionate about fostering growth in young athletes. “Soccer gives me energy and positive emotions, especially when I see young athletes full of passion and making progress,” he says. “I focus on growing and learning to stay sharp and do quality work. The future will take care of itself.”
His international experience, player-first mindset, and dedication to continuous improvement make him a valuable part of the RHSC coaching team.
Courses & Licenses: UEFA C License
2009 Boys Green
Michael Distefano - Head Coach
Michael began his coaching journey with Richmond Hill Soccer Club in 2015 as part of the mentorship program and transitioned to the competitive stream in 2017. A lifelong Raider, Michael has been part of the RHSC family as a player from Grassroots all the way to the U20 League team.
Coaching is Michael’s way of staying connected to his community and expressing his competitive nature. The relationships he has built and the memories he has created as both a player and a coach are a testament to his dedication to the club. Michael takes pride in giving back to the organization that has been such an integral part of his life.
Courses & Licenses: CONCACAF B License, National B License
Crestian Malki - Assistant Coach
Crestian spent three seasons playing for RHSC in the High Performance Program as the U20 League Men's team captain. He has now transitioned into coaching with the club. He currently works with the 2016 Boys and 2009 Boys teams.
Coaching keeps him engaged with the game he loves while fueling his competitive nature and deep connection to the community. He appreciates how RHSC brings players together and provides valuable opportunities for growth. Looking ahead, Crestian sees himself coaching for many years to come.
Courses & Licenses: Grassroots Diploma
2009 Boys White
Sohail Mohit - Head Coach
Sohail has been coaching with RHSC since 2022 and currently leads our 2009 Boys IModel C3 team. A former U20 League player, he developed a deep understanding of the game through years of high-level competition. Now, as a coach, he is passionate about giving back to the soccer community and helping young players grow both on and off the field.
Sohail values the strong network of like-minded coaches and dedicated athletes at RHSC, finding inspiration in the club’s commitment to development. He sees coaching as more than just a role—it’s a way to stay connected to the sport he loves while making a lasting impact on the next generation of players.
Courses & Licenses: Goalkeeper Diploma, Soccer for Life
Matthew Distefano - Assistant Coach
Matthew is a lifelong member of the RHSC community. He played competitive soccer with the Club from grassroots all the way to the U20 League.
Since joining the coaching staff in 2021, Matthew has been passionate about giving back to the soccer community that shaped his own journey. He takes pride in supporting players as they advance their soccer careers, fostering both their technical skills and love for the game.
What Matthew values most about Richmond Hill Soccer Club is the shared passion and commitment among coaches and staff toward developing players and creating competitive environments where they can thrive.
Courses & Licenses: Grassroots Diploma, Soccer for Life